Speed Up Computer

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times, but there are many, many reasons a computer can slow down. The biggest culprits are a lack of physical memory, lack of hard disk space (which includes badly fragmented hard disks), slow network response, and registry errors. I see certain situations that can cause computer slowdowns often enough that they bear repeating, however.

AV Programs Do Compete With Each Other

Anti-virus (A/V) programs are a godsend when they work properly, and a slow torture when they don’t. Most computers come with a trial-version of any of a number of A/V programs; some computers come loaded with multiple different A/V applications. Layer on top of that the specialized anti-malware applications and you should be able to build yourself a pretty hardened computer, right?

Well, not exactly. A/V programs are indispensible, and I would never recommend that a user go without some type of ant-virus protection. Microsoft now includes a malware detection tool with its operating system, however the Microsoft tool isn’t meant to prevent malware infections in real-time. The Microsoft tool only detects and removes active infections of the most “popular” malwares making the rounds. It isn’t a substitute for full-blown A/V protection.

If some protection is good, more must be better, right? Again, not exactly. Layering multiple different A/V software programs onto your computer can be a recipe for disaster. A/V programs do compete with each other and can shut down themselves or the competing program. In addition, these programs can interfere with each other. This interference can absorb a lot of CPU time and may actually reduce the overall effectiveness of your A/V protection.

When it comes to A/V software, your best bet is to buy one and stick with it. If you’re unhappy with the program, or find something more to your liking, uninstall the old A/V software before installing the new software. If you’re not sure you want to go that route, at least disable one A/V program before you try out the other. When you’ve made your choice, eliminate the program you decided against and keep the winner updated at all times.
Photo Credit: Taber Bain, via Flickr